Sorry for hijacking your thread, KatW!
So basically, it sounds like everyone agrees it WOULD be appropriate to reach out to the GM ahead of time. Your suggestions are good ones. Thanks.
To answer your questions...
- Pen Club booking, but already requested upgrades/reduced rates through sales mgr. The mid level suite we are in now is the highest level they allow for upgrades, at least ahead of time.
- Getting beverages, cake, and balloons from hotel. Special pizza is being catered in.